37. Cara

Chapter thirty-seven

Cara

T he warm breeze caresses my face as I step out onto the balcony, the sun dipping below the horizon in a blaze of colors. It's surreal, standing here with a sense of peace after everything we have been through. I close my eyes, taking a deep breath, savoring the moment.

June's arms slip around my waist, pulling me close. His breath is hot against my ear. "I've been looking for you," he murmurs, his voice a low rumble that sends shivers down my spine.

I lean back against him, relishing the feel of his body against mine. "Just needed a moment to myself," I reply softly. "It's been a lot to process."

He turns me around, his eyes dark with desire. "We have the rest of our lives to process everything," he says, his hands trailing down my back. "Right now, I just want you."

I can't help but smile, my heart swelling with love for this man who has been my rock through so much. "I want you too," I whisper, my voice trembling with emotion.

His lips meet mine in a deep, hungry kiss that leaves me breathless. Every brush of his mouth, every touch of his tongue, stokes the fire that has been simmering inside me. His hands roam over my body, igniting every nerve ending. The feeling is intoxicating, overwhelming in the best way possible.

"I can't get enough of you," June growls against my lips, his hands gripping my waist possessively. "I need to feel you, taste you."

My breath hitches, desire pooling low in my belly. "Then take me," I whisper back, my voice trembling with anticipation.

He lifts me effortlessly, carrying me into the bedroom and setting me down on the edge of the bed. His eyes rove over my body, dark with hunger. "You're so beautiful," he murmurs, his hands trailing up my thighs, pushing my dress higher.

I shiver under his touch, my skin prickling with anticipation. "June," I breathe, reaching for him, needing to feel him closer.

He captures my wrists, pinning them above my head as he leans in, his breath hot against my ear. "Not yet, baby. I want to take my time with you."

A whimper escapes my lips, the anticipation almost too much to bear. "Please," I beg, my body arching towards him.

He smiles, a dark, possessive smile that sends a thrill through me. "Patience, Cara. I'm going to worship every inch of you."

His hands roam over my body, his touch both gentle and possessive. He kisses a path down my neck, his lips trailing fire over my skin. "You're mine," he murmurs, his voice a low growl. "Forever."

I moan, the sound escaping my lips without permission. "Yes, June. Always."

He releases my wrists, his hands sliding down to cup my breasts, his thumbs brushing over my nipples. "I want to hear you," he says, his voice rough with desire. "I want to hear how much you need me."

A gasp escapes my lips as he pinches my nipples, a bolt of pleasure shooting through me. "I need you, June," I moan, my hips lifting off the bed in a silent plea.

He smiles, his eyes dark with satisfaction. "That's my girl." He moves lower, his hands sliding up my thighs, pushing my dress higher. "Spread your legs for me, baby."

I obey, my body trembling with anticipation. He kneels between my thighs, his breath hot against my core. "You're so wet for me," he murmurs, his voice a low rumble that sends shivers down my spine.

He presses a kiss to my inner thigh, his tongue darting out to taste me. I gasp, my hands fisting in the sheets as pleasure shoots through me. "June," I moan, my body arching towards him.

He looks up at me, his eyes dark with hunger. "I love the way you taste," he says, his voice rough with desire. "I could spend hours just tasting you."

I whimper, the anticipation almost too much to bear. "Please," I beg, my voice trembling with need.

He smiles, a dark, possessive smile that sends a thrill through me. Then, lowers his head, his tongue sliding over my folds, sending a bolt of pleasure through me. I moan, my hips lifting off the bed as he licks and sucks, his tongue driving me wild. "June," I gasp, my hands fisting in the sheets. "Oh God, June."

He looks up at me, his eyes dark with satisfaction. "That's it, baby. Let me hear you."

He continues his ministrations, his tongue driving me closer and closer to the edge. The pleasure is overwhelming, my body trembling with the intensity of it. "June," I cry, my hips lifting off the bed as I chase my release.

He slips a finger inside me, curling it just right, sending me over the edge. I cry out, my body convulsing with pleasure as my orgasm washes over me. "June," I gasp, my body trembling with the aftershocks.

He kisses his way back up my body, his lips capturing mine in a deep, hungry kiss. "You're so beautiful," he murmurs against my lips, his hands roaming over my body. "I can't get enough of you."

I moan, my body arching towards him. "I need you," I whisper, my voice trembling with desire. "I need you inside me."

He growls, his hands gripping my hips as he positions himself at my entrance. "You're mine," he says, his voice rough with possessiveness. "Forever."

"Yes, June," I moan, my body trembling with anticipation. "I'm yours. Forever."

He enters me in one smooth thrust, a gasp of pleasure escaping my lips as he fills me completely. The connection between us is electric, every thrust sending shockwaves of sensation through my body. Our movements are perfectly synchronized, a dance of love and desire that leaves no room for anything else.

"You're so perfect," he murmurs, his voice strained with the effort of holding back. "I want to see you swollen with our children, Cara. I want to see our family grow."

The intensity of his words pushes me closer to the edge, the thought of carrying his child, of our family growing, sending waves of pleasure crashing over me. "Yes, June. Fill me up. Make me yours forever."

His pace quickens, his thrusts becoming more urgent. I meet him with equal fervor, my own need reaching a fever pitch. The pressure inside me builds to an unbearable peak, and with a cry, I tumble over the edge, pleasure crashing over me in wave after wave.

June's fingers trail down my spine, lingering over each vertebra as if he's mapping a treasure. "You're mine, Cara. Always," he murmurs, his voice dripping with possessiveness.

A sudden thought flashes through my mind, igniting a wild idea. I glance at the nearby nightstand, spotting a silk scarf draped over the edge. Reaching for it, I hand it to him, my eyes sparkling with mischief. "Use this," I whisper.

June's eyes darken with understanding and a wicked smile spreads across his lips. "Turn around," he commands softly.

I obey. He ties the scarf around my wrists, securing them behind my back. The silky material feels both soft and restrictive, heightening my senses.

He steps back, his eyes roving over my bound form. "You look stunning like this," he says, his voice thick with desire. He lifts my chin, forcing me to meet his gaze. "Sure you trust me?"

"I would be mad not to," I reply, my voice steady despite the excitement thrumming through me.

June's smile widens as he walks to the dresser, picking up a smooth glass bottle. It's my favorite massage oil, one we've used countless times before, but never quite like this. He returns to me, the bottle in one hand and a predatory look in his eyes. "On your knees," he orders.

I sink to the floor, my hands bound behind me, and watch as he pours the oil into his palms, warming it before running his hands over my shoulders and down my back. The sensation is exquisite, the heat of his touch combining with the coolness of the oil, making my skin tingle.

"I can't believe you're all mine," he whispers, his hands gliding over my curves, massaging the tension from my muscles. "So perfect."

He slides the bottle across my skin, using it to caress and tease, the sensation both soothing and arousing. I moan softly, my body arching towards his touch. "June, please…"

He chuckles darkly, enjoying my plea. "Not yet, baby. I want to savor this."

He sets the bottle aside and slides his hands down to my hips, gripping them firmly. He lifts me effortlessly, positioning me on the edge of the bed. My wrists are still bound behind me, the scarf tightening slightly with every movement. He spreads my legs, the cool air against my core making me shiver.

"Stay still," he commands, his voice a low growl.

I nod, biting my lip to keep from begging. The anticipation is almost unbearable. June steps back and starts unbuttoning his shirt slowly, his eyes never leaving mine. The sight of him undressing, his muscles rippling with every movement, sends a fresh wave of desire through me.

When he's finally naked, he steps closer, his erection pressing against my thigh. He reaches out and runs a finger down my cheek, his touch gentle despite the intensity in his eyes. "You drive me crazy, Cara," he murmurs, his voice thick with desire.

"Then show me," I whisper, my voice trembling with need.

He grabs a silk tie from the dresser, wrapping it around my eyes and plunging me into darkness. My other senses heighten, every touch, every sound amplified. I can feel the heat of his body, hear the low growl of his breath, and it drives me wild.

June's fingers trail down my neck, his touch light as a feather. He leans in, his breath hot against my ear. "I'm going to make you scream," he promises.

I whimper, my body trembling with anticipation. "Please, June…"

He laughs softly, his hands sliding down my body. He cups my breasts, squeezing gently, his thumbs brushing over my nipples. The sensation is electric, sending jolts of pleasure through me. "Do you like that?" he asks, his voice a seductive whisper.

"Yes," I moan, arching towards his touch.

He pinches my nipples, hard enough to make me gasp. "Good," he growls. "Because I'm just getting started."

He moves lower, his hands trailing down my stomach, his fingers slipping between my thighs. He strokes me lightly, teasing me, making me squirm. "You're so wet for me," he murmurs, his voice filled with satisfaction.

I'm still begging, my voice barely more than a whisper. "I need you…"

"Not yet," he says, his tone firm. "I want to hear you beg."

I whimper, my body aching for his touch. "Please, June. I need you. I need to feel you inside me."

He groans, the sound vibrating through me. "That's my girl," he says, his fingers sliding inside me. He moves them slowly, deliberately, driving me crazy with need. "You feel so good, baby."

I moan, my hips lifting off the bed, chasing the sensation. "June, please…"

He withdraws his fingers, and I cry out in frustration. "Let me enjoy this," he murmurs, his breath hot against my ear. "I'm going to take my time with you."

He moves lower, his lips trailing fire down my body. He kisses a path over my stomach, down to my thighs. He spreads my legs wider, his breath hot against my core. "You're mine," he growls, his voice filled with possessiveness. "Forever."

"Forever," I echo, my voice trembling with anticipation.

He lowers his head, his tongue flicking out to taste me. The sensation is overwhelming, a bolt of pleasure shooting through me. I moan, my hands fisting in the sheets as he licks and sucks, driving me wild. "June," I gasp, my body arching towards him. "Oh God, June."

He looks up at me, his eyes dark with hunger. "That's it, baby. Let me hear you."

He continues his ministrations, his tongue driving me closer and closer to the edge. The pleasure is overwhelming, my body trembling with the intensity of it. "June," I cry, my hips lifting off the bed as I chase my release.

He slips a finger inside me, curling it just right, sending me over the edge. I cry out, my body convulsing with pleasure as my orgasm washes over me. "June," I gasp, my body trembling with the aftershocks.

He kisses his way back up my body, his lips capturing mine in a deep, hungry kiss. "You're so beautiful," he murmurs against my lips, his hands roaming over my body. "I can't get enough of you."

I moan, my body arching towards him. "I need you," I whisper, my voice trembling with desire. "I need you inside me."

He growls, his hands gripping my hips as he positions himself at my entrance. "You're mine," he says, his voice rough with possessiveness. "Forever."

"Yes, June," I moan, my body trembling with anticipation. "I'm yours. Forever."

He enters me in one smooth thrust, a gasp of pleasure escaping my lips as he fills me completely. The connection between us is electric, every thrust sending shockwaves of sensation through my body. Our movements are perfectly synchronized, a dance of love and desire that leaves no room for anything else.

"Do you like this?" he asks, his voice strained with the effort of holding back.

"Yes," I gasp, my nails digging into the sheets. "Oh God, yes."

His pace quickens, his thrusts becoming more urgent. "I want to see you swollen with our children, Cara. I want to see our family grow."

The intensity of his words pushes me closer to the edge, the thought of carrying his child, of our family growing, sending waves of pleasure crashing over me. "Yes, June. Fill me up. Make me yours forever."

He moves faster, his thrusts deep and powerful. I meet him with equal fervor, my own need reaching a fever pitch. The pressure inside me builds to an unbearable peak, and with a cry, I tumble over the edge, pleasure crashing over me in wave after wave.

June follows moments later, his own release a powerful culmination of our shared desire. We collapse together, a breathless, trembling heap of tangled limbs and sated longing.

For a long moment, we simply lay there, wrapped in each other's arms, the reality of what we have just shared sinking in. I can feel his heartbeat against my chest, a steady, reassuring rhythm that echoes my own.

"I love you," I whisper, the words carrying a weight they never had before.

June lifts his head, his eyes soft and filled with emotion. "I love you too, Cara Mia. More than anything."

The first rays of sunlight sneak through the gauzy curtains, painting golden streaks across our tangled limbs. I'm awake, but I keep my eyes closed, savoring the warmth of June's body pressed against mine. His steady breath tickles my neck, and I fight the urge to shiver. God, I could stay like this forever.

I crack one eye open, drinking in the sight of him. Even in sleep, he's breathtaking. The sharp line of his jaw, the flutter of his eyelashes against his cheeks. My fingers itch to trace every plane and curve of his face, to memorize him all over again.

As if sensing my gaze, June stirs. His arms tighten around me, pulling me impossibly closer. "Mmm," he mumbles, nuzzling into my hair. "Mornin', beautiful."

My heart does a little flip. Will I ever get used to this? "Hey, sleepyhead," I whisper, finally giving in to the urge to touch him. I run my fingers along his jaw, relishing the rasp of stubble against my skin.

June's eyes flutter open, dark and hazy with sleep. A slow smile spreads across his face, and I swear I fall in love all over again. "Whatcha thinking about?" he asks, voice rough in a way that sends heat pooling low in my belly.

I bite my lip, suddenly nervous. "I've been thinking... about my dad."

June's expression softens, his hand coming up to cup my cheek. "Yeah?"

I nod, leaning into his touch. "I want to take Onyx to his grave in Nigeria. It's time, you know?"

"Of course," June says without hesitation. "We'll make it happen."

Relief washes over me, and I press a kiss to his palm. "Thank you. And after that..." I take a deep breath, steeling myself. "Maybe we could finally make that move to the Bahamas? Start our happily ever after for real?"

June's eyes light up, a grin spreading across his face. "Our own little slice of paradise? Cara Mia, you don't have to ask me twice."

The next few days pass in a whirlwind of planning and packing. My mom, Song, Sonya, and Louis all agree to join us, turning this pilgrimage into a proper family affair. Even Judith surprises us, showing up at the airport with a suitcase and a sheepish grin.

The flight to Lagos is long, but Onyx is an angel, sleeping through most of it. When we finally touch down, the heat hits me like a wall – familiar, comforting. It smells like home, like childhood summers and laughter-filled family gatherings.

Our hotel is a slice of luxury overlooking the ocean. The moment we step into our suite, I'm drawn to the balcony. The view takes my breath away – endless blue stretching to the horizon, the crash of waves a soothing rhythm.

June comes up behind me, wrapping his arms around my waist. "Beautiful," he murmurs, but when I turn to look at him, his eyes are fixed on me.

Heat rises to my cheeks. "Flatterer," I tease, but I can't hide my smile.

That night, after my mom whisks Onyx away for some grandma time, June and I hit up a club in the heart of Lagos. The bass thrums through my veins, and for the first time in forever, I feel... free. We dance like no one's watching, bodies pressed close, inhibitions melting away with each pulsing beat.

June's hands settle on my hips, guiding me to the rhythm. His eyes are dark, intense, filled with a hunger that makes my breath catch. "God, you're gorgeous," he shouts over the music.

I respond by grinding against him, delighting in the way his breath hitches. "Take me back to the hotel," I purr in his ear.

We barely make it through the door before June's lips are on mine, hungry and demanding. Clothes fall away like autumn leaves, and we tumble onto the bed in a tangle of limbs. Every touch feels electric, setting my skin ablaze.

After, we lay tangled together, sweat cooling on our skin. June traces lazy patterns on my back, and I feel more content than I have in years. "I love you," I murmur, the words carrying a weight they never had before.

June tilts my chin up, his eyes soft and filled with emotion. "I love you too, Cara. More than anything."

The next morning dawns bright and clear. Today's the day – we're visiting my father's grave. Anxiety churns in my stomach as I dress, my hands shaking as I try to fasten my necklace.

June comes up behind me, gently taking the clasp from my trembling fingers. "I've got you," he murmurs, securing the necklace with ease.

I meet his eyes in the mirror, grateful beyond words. "Thank you," I whisper, leaning back against his solid warmth.

The cemetery is quiet, the air heavy with the scent of flowers and memories. My mom leads the way, Onyx balanced on her hip. I clutch June's hand like a lifeline as we approach my father's grave.

The headstone is simple, elegant. Just like Dad. I trace the engraved letters with shaking fingers, tears blurring my vision. "Hey, Daddy," I whisper. "I brought someone to meet you."

I take Onyx from my mom, cradling her close. "This is your granddaughter," I say, my voice thick with unshed tears. "Onyx Adanna Emezi-Heckle. She's perfect, Dad. You would have loved her so much."

June's arm wraps around my waist, anchoring me. I lean into him, drawing strength from his presence. "I wish you could have met June, too," I continue. "He's... he's everything, Dad. He makes me so happy."

We spend hours at the graveside, sharing stories and memories. Laughter mingles with tears as we keep my father's memory alive. I tell Onyx about her grandfather's mischievous smile, his terrible jokes, the way his eyes lit up when he talked about his family.

As the sun begins to set, painting the sky in brilliant oranges and pinks, a sense of peace settles over me. I press a kiss to Onyx's forehead, making silent promises to the man who'll never meet his granddaughter.

"I'll make sure she knows you, Dad," I whisper. "Your story, your legacy – it'll live on through her."

That night, back at the hotel, we gather in the restaurant for a celebratory dinner. The mood is light, buoyed by good food, flowing wine, and the catharsis of the day.

"A toast," my mom says, raising her glass. "To family – those here with us, and those watching over us from above."

We clink glasses, the sound ringing out like bells. As I look around the table at this mismatched, perfect little family we've built, I'm struck by a wave of love so intense it nearly knocks the breath from my lungs.

June catches my eye from across the table, raising an eyebrow in silent question. I smile, shaking my head slightly. I'm okay. More than okay.

Later, as we're getting ready for bed, June wraps his arms around me from behind. "You okay, Cara Mia?" he asks softly. "Today was a lot."

I turn in his embrace, resting my forehead against his. "I'm good," I assure him. "Better than good, actually. I feel... lighter. Like I can finally breathe again."

June's smile is soft, understanding. "I'm glad," he murmurs, pressing a gentle kiss to my lips.

We fall into bed, limbs tangled, hearts beating in sync. As sleep starts to claim me, I can almost hear my dad's approving chuckle on the breeze. This, right here? It's everything.

The rest of our time in Nigeria passes in a blur of sightseeing, family bonding, and making new memories. We visit the markets, the vibrant colors and heady scents transporting me back to childhood. June tries haggling for the first time, much to the amusement of the local vendors. His attempts at speaking Igbo are endearingly terrible, but the effort makes my heart swell.

On our last night, we have a beach bonfire. The flames dance in the darkness, casting flickering shadows across familiar faces. Onyx toddles between us, squealing with delight as she discovers the texture of sand between her toes.

"I can't believe we're leaving tomorrow," Sonya says, leaning against Louis. "It feels like we just got here."

I nod, a bittersweet ache in my chest. "I know. Part of me doesn't want to go."

"But the Bahamas are calling," June reminds me, his eyes twinkling in the firelight.

Right. Our new beginning. Excitement bubbles up, chasing away the melancholy. "Our own little paradise," I agree, snuggling closer to him.

The flight back to the States is subdued, everyone lost in their own thoughts. But as we touch down in New York, a new energy fills the air. This isn't an ending – it's the start of something incredible.

The next few weeks pass in a whirlwind of packing, paperwork, and tearful goodbyes. Finally, finally , the day arrives. We're moving to the Bahamas.

As the plane descends towards our new home, I gaze out the window at the impossibly blue water below. June squeezes my hand, and I turn to meet his eyes.

"Ready for our happily ever after?" he asks, a smile playing at the corners of his mouth.

I lean in, pressing a soft kiss to his lips. "With you? Always."

The moment we step off the plane, the balmy air envelops us like a warm hug. Onyx squeals with delight, her little face lighting up at the palm trees swaying in the breeze.

Our new home is a beachfront villa, all whitewashed walls and wide, breezy spaces. As June carries our bags inside, I scoop up Onyx and walk out onto the sand.

The water laps at my feet, cool and inviting. Onyx reaches down, giggling as the foam tickles her toes. I close my eyes, breathing in the salt air, feeling the sun on my face.

This is it. Our fresh start. Our happily ever after.

June joins us, wrapping an arm around my waist. "What do you think, Cara Mia?" he asks, pressing a kiss to my temple.

I lean into him, my heart so full it might burst. "It's perfect," I whisper. "Absolutely perfect."

As the sun begins to set, painting the sky in a riot of pinks and oranges, I know with absolute certainty that this is where we're meant to be. Here, with the man I love and the daughter we adore, building a life filled with love, laughter, and endless possibilities.

The ocean stretches out before us, vast and full of promise. Just like our future.

I turn to June, a mischievous glint in my eye. "Race you to the water?"

His laughter rings out, bright and joyous. "You're on!"

We sprint towards the waves, Onyx's delighted shrieks filling the air. As the cool water splashes around us, I'm filled with a sense of pure, unadulterated happiness.

This is just the beginning of our story. And what a beautiful story it's going to be.